19th Annual Latino Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony
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The Latino Chamber Foundation and the Latino Chamber of Commerce are excited to host the 19th Annual Latino Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony! The Ceremony will be held in the Occhiato Ballroom on the CSU Pueblo campus on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 at 11:30am. This event is typically hosted on the third Thursday of September in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Latino Lifetime Achievement Award intends to exemplify and honor individuals who have exhibited continuous and selfless contributions to the Hispanic community of Pueblo in any one or more of the following areas: business, education, government, humanitarian, non-profit, philanthropic, politics, and social. The recognition also depicts the progress predicated on vision, dedication, hard work, and courage.
The 2026 Latino Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Mr. David Abeyta, who will be honored with the Award posthumously, and Mrs. Gloria Gutierrez.
David Abeyta’s Biography:
David "Dave" Abeyta (September 13, 1972 – May 26, 2024) was a respected business leader, dedicated community advocate, and lifelong champion of Pueblo, Colorado. Throughout his career, Dave was committed to strengthening local businesses, expanding educational opportunities, and improving the quality of life throughout Southern Colorado. His leadership was defined by integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
A Pueblo native and graduate of Centennial High School, Dave attended Colorado State University Pueblo before building a distinguished career in commercial banking. He served as a Commercial Banker with U.S. Bank and later as Vice President and Senior Business Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, where he became known for his passion for helping businesses succeed and his ability to inspire those around him. In 2018, he founded his own business consulting firm, continuing to support businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies through strategic planning and financial expertise.
Dave's greatest passion was serving his community. Over the years, he held leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation, the Latino Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Pueblo County, Southern Colorado Economic Development Corporation, St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority, including as Chairman from 2020 to 2022, where he helped lead transformative economic development projects that invested millions of dollars into Pueblo's future.
Above all, Dave was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was deeply committed to his family and believed that true leadership meant giving back to the community that had given him so much. His kindness, humility, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Although Dave passed away in 2024 at the age of 51, his legacy continues through the organizations he strengthened, the lives he touched, and the countless people he inspired through his example of service, generosity, and leadership.
Gloria Gutierrez Biography:
Gloria Gutierrez is from Pueblo, Colorado, a graduate of Pueblo Central High School. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree; earning a B.S. in Mass Communications (Public Relations) with a minor in Sociology, from Colorado State University Pueblo (formerly the University of Southern Colorado) in 1998 while working full-time at the University.
Ms. Gutierrez managed the Office of the President at CSU Pueblo from 1976-2003, serving as Executive Assistant to the President for eight Presidents. She was the first Hispanic and the longest-serving Executive Assistant to the President at the University. Ms. Gutierrez was appointed Executive Director of the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation (PHEF) in December 2003 and served until December 2007. Under her leadership PHEF achieved a Telethon record of $242,000 raised and increased sponsored scholarships from 15 to 55 over four years.
Ms. Gutierrez was invited to serve as Southern Colorado Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mark Udall 2009–December 2015, covering 19 counties in Southern and Southeastern Colorado. She was appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10th Judicial District (2015–2021).
Ms. Gutierrez was appointed by City Council and the County Commissioners to serve as a joint appointment on the Pueblo Human Relations Commission. Ms. Gutierrez has served on many nonprofit boards including Catholic Charities, Southern Colorado Press Club, Boys & Girls Club and the PHEF (served as Secretary for 18 years).
Ms. Gutierrez was a recipient of the YWCA Anna Taussig Outstanding Community Service Award (2015). Gloria is also a member of El Pomar Foundation’s Elevating Leadership Development Program (since 2002); and also serves on El Pomar Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Commission; and she was appointed to the Awards for Excellence Commission. She currently serves as a member on the Latino Chamber Foundation Board of Directors as well.
In 2015, she helped establish the Pueblo Latino Veterans Legacies of Courage Committee and served as its founding Chair. Following the organization's recent designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, she now serves as President of the Board of Directors, continuing to lead its mission of honoring and preserving the legacy of Latino veterans. To date 58 Latino veterans have been honored with the Legacies of Courage Award. Looking ahead, the organization plans to establish a Latino Veterans Memorial that will recognize each award recipient educating the community and preserving their legacies of service, courage, sacrifice, and dedication to their country, community, and fellow veterans for generations to come.
Ms. Gutierrez is married to Ramon Gutierrez and has two sons, Aaron (Rochelle) and Jason. She is a proud Grammy to four grandchildren (AJ, Avery, Aryssa and Christian).
To date 24 recipients have received the distinguished award. All award recipients are featured with a custom handmade plaque on the Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall of Fame at CSU Pueblo in the foyer of the Ballroom. The wall was designed by local artists Ken & Judith Williams.
The 19th Annual Latino Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony will include an afternoon of celebration, networking, giveaways, and a vision to move forward. If you or your organization is interested in serving as an event sponsor please contact us at 719-542-5513 or [email protected].
To purchase your tickets online please visit here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/19th-annual-latino-lifetime-achievement-award-ceremony?fbclid=IwY2xjawTfNghwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVh3aDFQeWRZUWVsZHFESnJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3Vi6eKsWTAfAWQ-WUlbeZ2tS38Q2fQYzsKLb7U-ugdEEZirxXSpu_S_JVcY_aem_5f32p7lH9SFgrYfZIe6u4Q
The Latino Lifetime Achievement Award intends to exemplify and honor individuals who have exhibited continuous and selfless contributions to the Hispanic community of Pueblo in any one or more of the following areas: business, education, government, humanitarian, non-profit, philanthropic, politics, and social. The recognition also depicts the progress predicated on vision, dedication, hard work, and courage.
The 2026 Latino Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Mr. David Abeyta, who will be honored with the Award posthumously, and Mrs. Gloria Gutierrez.
David Abeyta’s Biography:
David "Dave" Abeyta (September 13, 1972 – May 26, 2024) was a respected business leader, dedicated community advocate, and lifelong champion of Pueblo, Colorado. Throughout his career, Dave was committed to strengthening local businesses, expanding educational opportunities, and improving the quality of life throughout Southern Colorado. His leadership was defined by integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
A Pueblo native and graduate of Centennial High School, Dave attended Colorado State University Pueblo before building a distinguished career in commercial banking. He served as a Commercial Banker with U.S. Bank and later as Vice President and Senior Business Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, where he became known for his passion for helping businesses succeed and his ability to inspire those around him. In 2018, he founded his own business consulting firm, continuing to support businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies through strategic planning and financial expertise.
Dave's greatest passion was serving his community. Over the years, he held leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation, the Latino Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Pueblo County, Southern Colorado Economic Development Corporation, St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority, including as Chairman from 2020 to 2022, where he helped lead transformative economic development projects that invested millions of dollars into Pueblo's future.
Above all, Dave was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was deeply committed to his family and believed that true leadership meant giving back to the community that had given him so much. His kindness, humility, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Although Dave passed away in 2024 at the age of 51, his legacy continues through the organizations he strengthened, the lives he touched, and the countless people he inspired through his example of service, generosity, and leadership.
Gloria Gutierrez Biography:
Gloria Gutierrez is from Pueblo, Colorado, a graduate of Pueblo Central High School. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree; earning a B.S. in Mass Communications (Public Relations) with a minor in Sociology, from Colorado State University Pueblo (formerly the University of Southern Colorado) in 1998 while working full-time at the University.
Ms. Gutierrez managed the Office of the President at CSU Pueblo from 1976-2003, serving as Executive Assistant to the President for eight Presidents. She was the first Hispanic and the longest-serving Executive Assistant to the President at the University. Ms. Gutierrez was appointed Executive Director of the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation (PHEF) in December 2003 and served until December 2007. Under her leadership PHEF achieved a Telethon record of $242,000 raised and increased sponsored scholarships from 15 to 55 over four years.
Ms. Gutierrez was invited to serve as Southern Colorado Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mark Udall 2009–December 2015, covering 19 counties in Southern and Southeastern Colorado. She was appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10th Judicial District (2015–2021).
Ms. Gutierrez was appointed by City Council and the County Commissioners to serve as a joint appointment on the Pueblo Human Relations Commission. Ms. Gutierrez has served on many nonprofit boards including Catholic Charities, Southern Colorado Press Club, Boys & Girls Club and the PHEF (served as Secretary for 18 years).
Ms. Gutierrez was a recipient of the YWCA Anna Taussig Outstanding Community Service Award (2015). Gloria is also a member of El Pomar Foundation’s Elevating Leadership Development Program (since 2002); and also serves on El Pomar Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Commission; and she was appointed to the Awards for Excellence Commission. She currently serves as a member on the Latino Chamber Foundation Board of Directors as well.
In 2015, she helped establish the Pueblo Latino Veterans Legacies of Courage Committee and served as its founding Chair. Following the organization's recent designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, she now serves as President of the Board of Directors, continuing to lead its mission of honoring and preserving the legacy of Latino veterans. To date 58 Latino veterans have been honored with the Legacies of Courage Award. Looking ahead, the organization plans to establish a Latino Veterans Memorial that will recognize each award recipient educating the community and preserving their legacies of service, courage, sacrifice, and dedication to their country, community, and fellow veterans for generations to come.
Ms. Gutierrez is married to Ramon Gutierrez and has two sons, Aaron (Rochelle) and Jason. She is a proud Grammy to four grandchildren (AJ, Avery, Aryssa and Christian).
To date 24 recipients have received the distinguished award. All award recipients are featured with a custom handmade plaque on the Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall of Fame at CSU Pueblo in the foyer of the Ballroom. The wall was designed by local artists Ken & Judith Williams.
The 19th Annual Latino Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony will include an afternoon of celebration, networking, giveaways, and a vision to move forward. If you or your organization is interested in serving as an event sponsor please contact us at 719-542-5513 or [email protected].
To purchase your tickets online please visit here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/19th-annual-latino-lifetime-achievement-award-ceremony?fbclid=IwY2xjawTfNghwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVh3aDFQeWRZUWVsZHFESnJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3Vi6eKsWTAfAWQ-WUlbeZ2tS38Q2fQYzsKLb7U-ugdEEZirxXSpu_S_JVcY_aem_5f32p7lH9SFgrYfZIe6u4Q
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Where is it happening?
2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81001, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherPueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce
